Sweden stood up well but did not have the strength – fell through

When Sweden met Canada during the group stage, they were totally paved. Canada led 4-0 already after the first period, won the shots overall by 47-29 and the match in the end with a crushing 12-1.

When the teams now met in the World Cup semi-final, it was a completely different match plan that Sweden came into the meeting with. It was a defensive blue-yellow team that lost the shots in the first period by 5-14, but kept the result goalless.

In fact, Sweden had the best goal chance when forward Arvid Eljas got the chance after just over a quarter and ran away in a counterattack. He advanced over the offensive blue line from the right, looked up and sent off a wrist shot – in the post.

Heavy start on others

At the start of the middle period, we saw a more undulating game. The teams exchanged chances with each other and Sweden had a stronger self-confidence in their offensive.

But more courage in the attacks also meant gaps in the back. The only 15-year-old forward talent, Connor Bedard born in 2005, broke Sweden’s zero when he skilfully got the puck in a counterattack and scored his fourth goal in the championship.

Quick receipt

But Sweden would replicate immediately.

Canada drew two consecutive expulsions in the same game sequence and Sweden got the chance in five against three in two minutes. But you only needed 28 seconds before the equalizer was set, 1-1 from Isak Rosén.

Canada was better in the second half of the middle period and just took the lead again. This when Chase Stillman looked for a loose puck in the mess in front of the Swedish goal. Odd goal lead for the red and blacks after 40 minutes.

Hattrick by Bedard

But in the third period, Sweden did not have the strength and certainly it felt like most of the air went out of the blue and yellow team when Connor Bedard scored his second goal in the match. When Bedard later completed his hat-trick, it meant 7-1 on the scoreboard.

The numbers stopped at 8-1 and a shot win of superior 57-17. Now a bronze match awaits for Sweden against either Finland or Russia, which will meet in the second semifinal.

– Sit down and watch this third period again to learn how to play ice hockey, sums up SVT Sports expert, Nils Ekman, after Canada’s impressive final period.

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